Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced it will use HARMAN (Samsung)
and Google technologies to deliver a new “ecosystem” that will enhance the
connected life of FCA vehicle owners globally.
“By selecting industry leaders such as Samsung
and Google, we are making an efficient and responsible utilization of capital
to provide advanced technological solutions to our customers worldwide,” said
Harald Wester, Chief Technical Officer, FCA. “In collaboration with HARMAN –
Samsung and Google, we have developed a flexible, easy-to-use and
connected ‘ecosystem’ that not only deploys today’s technology, but is also
ready to integrate upcoming innovations.”

Off-board, the system will promptly and securely manage in-vehicle and
additional data using an architecture based on the HARMAN Ignite cloud-based
platform. The system will deliver an enhanced user experience that will assist
owners by predicting maintenance needs, locating fuel and charging stations,
receiving traffic prompts and restaurant offers and providing live
customer-care assistance at the push of a button. Vehicles can also receive
over-the-air (OTA) software updates, ensuring owners benefit from new
capabilities and the latest software applications.

The global platform will offer owners 4G network connectivity and support the
evolution to 5G, is homologated for all regions and will integrate with any
service provider around the world. The off-board system also has the capability
to interact with future smart cities’ infrastructure, as well as household
devices via Samsung’s “Smart Things” platform.

In addition to vehicle owners, dealers, fleet operators and service providers
also will benefit from the features delivered through the new cloud-based
connectivity.

On-board, the new system will be powered by Android, offering a strong, proven
and intuitive app-based environment that provides fresh content via OTA
updates, fast interaction and seamless wireless integration with the customer’s
mobile devices. The trusted and secure system will offer owners continuous
innovation and will feature updates through a built-in cellular network,
allowing for new capabilities in autonomous driving initiatives, electrification
and connected services.

This connected ecosystem will provide an optimal technical environment for FCA
electrified vehicles, with applications such as remote battery management,
smart EV trip navigator and vehicle-to-grid services. It will also support the
FCA Mobility Services portfolio, including features such
as pay-by-the-mile options, usage-based vehicle insurance,
short-, medium- and long-term vehicle rental and peer-to-peer car sharing
solutions, such as the U-Go system, recently launched by Leasys in Europe.

The key components of the system will start to rollout in phases across global
regions during the second half of 2019 and all new FCA vehicles will be
connected by 2022